While the UK has been enjoying bright sunshine this start of March, Greece is facing snow storms that have halted ferry services and blocked roads . According to a BBC report, Greeks have been warned to make only vital journeys as the severe weather continues.

Some drivers had to endure traffic jams of up to nine miles overnight near Athens.

The snow and gale force winds struck late yesterday, there have been power cuts on a number of the islands, in Athens and in other parts of the mainland. The snow that closed down the road at Malakasa was comparatively light and Transport Minister Dimitris Reppas accused the consortium that manages it, Nea Odos, of failing to do its job properly.

The ports of Piraeus, Lavrio and Rafina are closed, but the Athens Airport website show that flights are currently operating as normal.

The cold weather is expected continue into tomorrow, with overnight temperatures in Athens due to dip just below zero.